The Jaguar Deal (Franerre-Yaiji Empire)

[callmedelta]

The Ambassador looked over the side of the ship, the waves calmly lapping against the side of the boat, cursing his rotten luck. Robin respected the Director, a man serving that long as the head of the FA had to be doing something right, and Robin understood that desperate times called for desperate measures. But sending him to a country that they had almost no information on, in the hope that they might be able to secure a weapons deal? Robin didn't know if times were that desperate. Yet. Reports were coming out of Desterque and Alcasse of some new sickness. Maybe the Director knew something he didn't, and time were more desperate than he knew. Regardless, cursing his luck could only do him so much. Robin was to get this deal done, if it were possible. But with so little to work off, Robin couldn't do as much planning as he liked. That left him to think on his feet, which the Ambassador wasn't bad at, but he preferred to be prepared. 

"Oi, landlubber," came a boisterous voice from behind Robin, "You'll be happy to know that soon we'll be goin ashore, back to where you're wobbly legs can stand straight. Argh!" 

The Ambassador turned around to face the sailor. "Repetition won't make your pirate joke any funnier, Virion."

"It's still funny to me," Seaman Virion said, "And that's all that matters when it comes to humor."

"I beg to differ, and I'm sure the rest of the ship does too," Robin retorted, "I'm surprised they haven't thrown you overboard yet, or abandoned you at some port."

"In your dreams, landlubber," Virion said with a shit-eating grin.

Robin sighed. "You said we were nearing Yaiji?"

"Yep," Virion said, "Not too much longer and you'll be able to see it yourself. Let's head to the bow, you'll get a better look there." Robin nodded, getting up from the rail he was leaning on. It took a few minutes for the pair to make it to the bow with the general hubbub of the ship, and by the time they had made it, Yaiji was in sight. A white flag was raised above the Franch ship, the craft bearing no obvious weapons. 

[Moshel-Generał]

There would be barely any response from the coast. The only place to port was a small fishing town. If they choose to port they would be told that there was a group leaving for the capital and they were welcome to join them. Otherwise there was not much going on in the area, it was very sparsely populated, save for the local wildlife, which the locals did not enjoy spending time with.

[callmedelta]

The Franch ship docked at the small port, the party going ashore taking a small boat to the docks. The party was composed of Ambassador Robin and three sailors, Seamen Virion, Vaike, and Seawoman Sully, both to serve as protection and to carry a few of the products the Franch mission hoped to sell to the Yaiji. With them, they carried one IM-1930, one MM-1911, and one AM-1928, with ammunition for each. The four of them would go to the capital with the group already headed there.

[Moshel-Generał]

At the capital the Franch would be escorted to meet with a tlamacazqui. They would be offered a drink before the business would begin. "I was informed that your government had something to share with us?"

[callmedelta]

"Yes," Ambassador Robin said, handing the tlamacazqui a letter. Inside was a simply message, only once in Commons.

"To the Yaiji Empire,

I have been informed of you current fight against the Republic of Utrax. The Franch Army is willing to sell its surplus of arms to assist you in your fight, some of which have been brought to you so you may see them yourself. I entrust my Ambassador to negotiate a fair price for the weapons, should you be willing to buy. 

-His Royal Highness King Dante Emmanuel Marchégia IV, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Franerre"

[Moshel-Generał]

"Now are we limited to these hand held weapons, or would you be willing to sell some of the bigger devices?" The tlamacazqui would ask after he read the paper. He was tasked with getting as much as he could possibly get.

[callmedelta]

Robin thought for a moment. “That was not Franerre’s original intent, but I see no reason why some couldn’t be bought, for the right price, of course. Fair warning, however. I don’t know how many artillery pieces we would have surplus to sell.”

[Moshel-Generał]

"As many as you have to spare would be fine," the tlamacazqui said with a nod. "What do you want in exchange?"

[callmedelta]

"Gold," Robin said, "Would be the most preferable option, but if you have other ideas, I am open to hearing them."

[Moshel-Generał]

"Gold, jade, cocoa, we have a few options."

[callmedelta]

"I think gold would still be the best option," Robin said.

[Moshel-Generał]

"I see. Well we can negotiate cost, however just know you get your gold once we get the weapons."

[callmedelta]

Robin frowned, pausing for a moment, before answering. "I...suppose that is acceptable, though I would prefer half of the gold now, and half when the first shipment is delivered."